Three constables charged for breaches of the CPA

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Three constables from Area 1 were last Friday, offered bail when they appeared in the St James Parish Court for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.

Constables David Willis, Avelock Thompson and Andre Hamilton were all offered bail in the sum of $1 million each with three sureties and reporting conditions.

The three were charged on Friday by detectives from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

It is alleged that on Wednesday January 31, 2018, the three constables whilst on duty in a marked vehicle, visited premises in Ironshore, St James. The three wearing masks conducted a search of the dwelling without a warrant, during which three bags of ganja were found. Two of the constables then negotiated with an occupant who was present for payment to avoid prosecution. Subsequently they received J$50,000, US$400 and $200.00 Canadian and returned the drugs.

A report was later made to MOCA-West which resulted in an investigation being conducted and the constables taken into custody on Friday, February 2.